关于太极拳的起源，据考证形成于明末清初。太极拳有下列三个方面的来源：第一方面，综合吸收了明代名家拳法。明代武术极为盛行，出现了很多名家、专著和新拳种，太极拳就是吸取了当时各家拳法之长，特别是戚继光的三十二势长拳而编成的；第二方面，结合了古代导引、吐纳之术。太极拳讲究意念引导动作，气沉丹田，心静体松，重在内壮，把拳术中的手、眼、身、步的协调配合与导引、吐纳有机地结合起来，这就使太极拳成为内外统一的拳术运动，所以被称为“内功拳”之一；第三方面，运用了中国古代的中医经络学说和阴阳学说。太极拳结合经络学说，要求“以意引气，以气运身”，内气发源于丹田，以腰为主宰发力于全身。各式传统太极拳也皆以太极阴阳学说来概括和解释拳法中各种矛盾变化。
According to textual researches，Taiji Quan is gradually formed in late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty.The three aspects of Taiji Quan's origin：1）Integration of famous Quan（boxing）skills in Ming Dynasty.In Ming Dynasty，when Wushu was quite popular，many famous masters，monographs and new types of Quans appeared.Taiji Quan absorbed merits from different schools of Wushu，especially the 32 Styles Chang Quan invented by Qi Jiguang.2）Integrated with ancient skills breathing and inner guiding，Taiji Quan emphasizes on mind and intention which shall lead movements，Qi（breath）dropped to Dantian（lower abdomen），quiet mental state and body relaxation，and the strengthening of the inner part of the body.The organic integration of breathing，inner guiding，and the coordination of hands，eyes，body and steps have made Taiji a sport of the unity of inner part and external part.Therefore,Taiji Quan is called one of the“Neigong（inner Kungfu）Quans”.3）Taiji Quan has adopted ancient Chinese medicine theories of main and collateral channels and the theories of Yin-Yang.According to ancient Chinese medicine theory.Taiji Quan requires“mind and intention to lead breath，guide the Qi（breath）to drive body movements.”The inner breath origins from Dantian（lower abdomen），and drives the strength of body from waist.Every style of Taiji Quan uses the theory of Yin and Yang to explain Quan techniques and various changes.